2 Western Md. Lawmakers Back Gaming System Reform

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Two state lawmakers say legislation is needed to ensure that Washington County volunteer fire companies get their fair share of gambling proceeds.

The Herald-Mail newspaper reports that Democratic Delegate John Donoghue and Republican Sen. Christopher Shank want to curtail an umbrella group's power to distribute the funds to its member fire companies.

Donoghue says the county should take over.

The lawmakers say the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association has kept 20 percent of the millions of dollars generated by legal games of chance at local taverns, private clubs and fundraisers. The group has unlimited authority to manage the money under a 1995 law.

The association says it needs the money for projects benefiting all its members. It is proposing financial reporting standards to stave off a county takeover.
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